Product Report – Mobile One Headset

Following detailed development work, a whole range of headsets is now manufactured to meet the needs of general aviation, the helicopter fraternity (Heliflite is a satisfied customer), ultralights, and those operating in noisy industrial environments.

The headset I was proposing to test is the Carl Holden HSGA as previously mentioned. Thisis a lightweight headset (340gms) with a 3ldb design noise attenuation capability. The only part of the headset that needs to be imported is the Swedish made earmuffs which are fitted with moisture resistant earphones with mylar diaphragms. Mobile One considers these the best available to meet their demanding requirements. The headsetis supplied with two metres of shielded cable which terminates to industry standard “PJ” plugs. The wires in the cable are in one piece from the actual headset to the plug which is not always the case in cheaper equipment (I know because the insulation around the wires at the splitter connection in my own personal headset recently came adrift!)

The Electret noise cancelling microphone isfitted to a special boom which is simply bent to adjust to the wearers physiognomy. Greg Ackman was at pains to stress the correct method of fitting the headset which is to place the left earpad over the ear and then to lower the headset over the right ear. Once done, the boom is then simply rotated down in front of the mouth from its stowed position over headband. Removalisthe reverse of the fitting procedure.

Trying to assess a headset is a very subjective activity. It is not dissimilar to assessing a flight safety programme; if the latter has been successful nothing untoward will have occurred. Applying this to a headset, you Should not be discomforted by it and noise should not intrude, in other words if you’re not aware ofit or the operating environment, itis successful. Of course you must be able to clearly hear radio transmissions and equally you must be intelligible to others.

My first test of the set was in Greg’s inGreg’sTiger which we flew over to The Oaks to inspect several Ultralight intercom installations which utilise Mobile One gear. (As a side issue, these were very neat indeed). I was happy with the set installed in the Tiger but felt that the true test would be several trips in my own aircraft. Accordingly, a set was taken from a completed batch and I set out for home.

No problems were experienced with compatibility and reception, and transmissions were satisfactory. The set was certainly comfortable and I didn’t really notice it. Two subsequent trips have confirmed this.

In summary, for a medium priced set ($299) which is Australian made, it would take a lot of beating. However, there is the added bonus of a strong company policy of standing by its products. Customers are invited to deal directly with the factory if they encounter a problem during the 12 month warranty. The company policy is essentially that the customer is right (even if this is not always the case!), a refreshing approach in this day and age where the converse mostly applies. Available by mail order from Australian Aviation for $299 which includes a convenient carry bag. Helicopter versions featuring ‘curly cord’ and a single NATO plug also available for $339. Order from Australian Aviation, PO Box 3105, Weston Creek, ACT 2611. Tel (06) 288 1677, fax (06) 288 2021.